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sheathe

[sheeth]
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verb (used with object), sheathed, sheath·ing.
  1. to put (a sword, dagger, etc.) into a sheath.
  2. to plunge (a sword, dagger, etc.) in something as if in a sheath.
  3. to enclose in or as if in a casing or covering.
  4. to cover or provide with a protective layer or sheathing: to sheathe a roof with copper.
  5. to cover (a cable, electrical connector, etc.) with a metal sheath for grounding.
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Origin of sheathe

1350–1400; Middle English shethen, derivative of sheath
Related formssheath·er, noun
Can be confusedsheath sheathe
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

encasewrapcoverenclosesurround

Examples from the Web for sheathe

Historical Examples

  • He must then sheathe his weapon, and not, on any account, strike a second time.

    Welsh Fairy Tales

    William Elliott Griffis

  • I have drawn my sword, and never will I sheathe it, till America is free, or I'm no more.

  • I'll away with the scabbard, and sheathe my sword in the bosom of tyranny.

  • I am more tempted to sheathe this dagger in Jabaster's breast than in Alroy's.

    Alroy

    Benjamin Disraeli

  • "Sheathe the dagger and waste no words upon these slaves, Daughter," said Asti.

    Morning Star

    H. Rider Haggard

British Dictionary definitions for sheathe

sheathe

verb (tr)
  1. to insert (a knife, sword, etc) into a sheath
  2. (esp of cats) to retract (the claws)
  3. to surface with or encase in a sheath or sheathing
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for sheathe

v.

c.1400, "to furnish (a sword, etc.) with a sheath," from sheath; meaning "to put (a sword, etc.) in a sheath" is attested from early 15c. Related: Sheathed; sheathing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper